Sports Legend Dies on His Birthday

Gene Conley, legend in the sports industry, passed away on July 4th of 2017 at 86 years old. Independence day also marks Conley’s birthday.

Conley had a professional sports career in both baseball and basketball. He pitched for the Milwaukee Braves, Phillies, and Boston Red Sox. He also played with the Boston Celtics in the NBA.

According to the New York Times, Conley was only one of two sports stars ever to win two championships in two different sports. In 1957, he pitched for the Milwaukee Braves, helping them win the World Series championship. From 1958-1961, he won three NBA titles with the Boston Celtics.

The NBA posted a tribute in remembrance of Conley, stating on Facebook “The NBA family mourns the passing of NBA Champion & two-sport star Gene Conley, who won three titles with the Boston Celtics from 1959-1961.” Watch the video below.

https://twitter.com/NBAHistory/status/882783303048339457

Others also took to social media to pay their respects, including the Boston Celtics. The team's public statement said, "We are very saddened to hear of the passing of a member of the Celtics family, Gene Conley. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

https://twitter.com/celtics/status/882608318493204481

MLB mentions he is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren. Please join us in prayer for his family. Thank you!